Travel Guide Assaïta

Altitude: 300 m. Population: 30,000. Distance from Addis Ababa: 650 km. Formerly a regional capital, Assaïta found itself eccentrically located in the country's new federal structure, in a cul-de-sac off the main road to Djibouti, far from Addis Ababa. Its location is explained by the oasis formed by the banks of the Awash river, which splits into several branches before flowing into the surrounding lakes, irrigating the only arable land in this hostile environment. Until the Derg regime, Assaïta was the center of the Aoussa sultanate, whose authority was long exercised over the region.Market. With a population of around 20,000, the town hosts a colorful market on Tuesdays, bringing together nomadic and sedentary Afar from the highlands. A smaller market is held on Wednesdays, selling mainly vegetables, cereals and spices. The small blue and green houses, dominated by the minaret of the old mosque, give the town a certain oriental charm.